Resources
Articles, guides, and videos from RAND’s engineers and architects on building systems, inspections, energy performance, capital planning, regulatory compliance, and adaptive reuse for existing buildings and new construction, and more.
NYC Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) Fact Sheet
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on NYC’s Facade Inspection and Safety Program (Local Law 11/98).
NYC Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) | Local Law 126 Fact Sheet
NYC parking structures must be inspected at least once every six years by a qualified engineer per Local Law 126 of 2021.
NYC Annual Parapet Inspection Requirement Fact Sheet
NYC annual parapet inspection requirements, deadlines, and compliance basics.
Local Law 97 Compliance Guide
NYC Local Law 97 requirements, deadlines, emissions limits, and compliance strategies for building owners and managers.
Surveying Your Building's Condition
A guide to physical condition surveys for NYC buildings, including what they cover and how they support repair planning and capital budgeting.
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Rope Access Facade Inspections
Drones provide a safe and cost-effective way to perform visual building evaluations.
Roof Project Questionnaire
Key questions to evaluate roof conditions and plan repairs, alterations, or replacement.
Replacing a Sidewalk Vault
Vault spaces are prone to leaks and deterioration, which can cause structural damage over time.
Roof Warranties: What They Cover and What They Don’t
What roof warranties cover, key limitations, and how to evaluate terms before starting a project.
Installing a Roof Deck
What goes into a successful roof deck, from structural support and waterproofing to drainage and long-term performance.
Roof Replacement: Hot vs. Cold Roofing Systems
Key factors in roof replacement, including hot vs. cold systems, roof deck conditions, and planning for long-term performance.
Investigative Probes
By uncovering hidden conditions, investigative probes help minimize surprises during construction.
Sidewalk Sheds
New York has more than 6,000 sidewalk sheds. Here’s what you should know about costs, permits, safety, and more.
Facade Cleaning
Different types of masonry require their own cleaning agents and applications.
Preventing Mold
Inadequately insulated piping, poor ventilation, and exterior leaks provide moist environments where mold spores thrive.
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Re-piping a Domestic Water System
Corroded steel piping in old plumbing systems will eventually need to be replaced with new copper tubing.
Electrical Upgrades
What building owners should know about electrical upgrades, from service capacity to code-related improvements.
Converting From Oil to Gas
What building owners should know about converting from oil to gas, from system planning and utility coordination to costs and long-term operation.
Re-piping a Leaky Gas System
What building owners should know about gas repiping, from leak isolation and pressure testing to code requirements and restoration of service.
Chimney Liners and Extensions
Converting a heating plant from oil to gas often requires installing a liner and/or an extension to the chimney.
Split Air Conditioning Systems
Split A/C systems are increasingly popular because of their low-profile design and ease of installation.
Fixing Brown Water and Low Pressure
Reinstalling a roof tank and replacing corroded piping can fix a building’s plumbing problems.
Installing a Cogeneration System
Producing electricity and heat simultaneously reduces electrical demand and heating costs.
Repairing a Sewer Line
A cured-in-place method is used for minor repairs, but more extensive damage requires excavation and replacement.
Elevator Upgrades
Abrupt movements, doors that stick, and uneven stops are signs that an elevator needs an overhaul.
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Fort Lee Parking Structure Inspections (Ordinance 2025-17): Compliance Requirements for Owners and Managers
Fort Lee’s new Ordinance 2025-17 puts parking structure inspections on the calendar. Get a clear, owner-focused breakdown of who must comply, what a NJ PE will evaluate, how the Safe/SREM/Unsafe ratings work, and the filing and repair timelines that can affect operations and budgeting.
Structural Evaluations
A structural survey conducted before construction begins at an adjacent site can alert building owners to potential problems.
Replacing a Sidewalk Vault
Vault spaces are prone to leaks and deterioration, which can cause structural damage over time.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls can deteriorate from seasonal changes, compromising their stability.
Garage Repairs
The most important aspect of the repair and construction of concrete parking garages is coordination.
Second Avenue Subway Construction
Important steps building owners should take to ensure safety and protection from adjacent heavy construction and demolition.
Integrated Physical Needs Assessments (IPNAs)
How IPNAs help evaluate building condition, energy and water performance, and health-related improvements in affordable multifamily housing.
Adjacent Construction Monitoring
RAND Structural Engineer Christine Hobson explains why a structural evaluation is recommended for buildings near a new construction site.
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Interior Renovations
An engineer/architect should review proposed alternations to make sure they don’t damage building-wide systems.
Installing an ADA-Compliant Ramp
A ramp must meet requirements concerning the incline, handrails, and doors.
Feasibility Studies for Amenity Spaces
A feasibility study helps determine if a proposed building amenity is viable and can save time and money.
Making an Entrance Accessible
What changes must a landlord make to lobby steps to accommodate people with disabilities?
Review of Proposed Apartment Alterations
Plans to renovate an apartment must first be reviewed by an engineer or architect.
Apartment Alterations
RAND Senior Architect Suzanna Takayama, RA discusses what should be reviewed when residents propose alterations to their apartments.
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NYC Building Decarbonization Roadmap: Steps to Meet Local Law 97 Compliance and Cut Carbon Emissions
Meeting LL97 requirements is a milestone, not the finish line. Decarbonization is the key to long-term compliance, cost savings, and a more sustainable future. As New York City pushes forward with its carbon reduction goals, building owners need to start planning now to meet Local Law 97 (LL97) requirements and reduce…
Local Law 88 Compliance Guide: Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering
Learn who Local Law 88 applies to and what it requires for lighting and sub-metering.
New NYC Law Mandates Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Parking Garages: What Property Owners and Managers Need to Know
Understand Local Law 55 of 2024 and its impact on EV charging infrastructure in New York City parking facilities.
Local Law 87 Compliance Guide: Energy Audits and Retro-commissioning
The law requires an energy audit, retro-commissioning, and filing an Energy Efficiency Report.
Split Air Conditioning Systems
Split A/C systems are increasingly popular because of their low-profile design and ease of installation.
Installing a Cogeneration System
Producing electricity and heat simultaneously reduces electrical demand and heating costs.
Making Your Repair Projects Green
Products and materials that help keep projects environmentally friendly.
Infrared Thermography: See Your Building in a New Light
A non-destructive diagnostic tool, infrared thermography can detect hidden problems throughout a building.
RAND Joins NYSERDA's Multifamily Building Solutions Network
NYSERDA Multifamily Building Solutions Network Providers work with residential owners to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.
Energy Incentives for New York Buildings
Energy incentives for New York buildings, including federal tax credits, New York State programs, utility rebates, and NYC incentives for energy upgrades and Local Law 97 planning.
NYC Benchmarking Law: Local Law 84 Compliance Guide for Building Owners
Local Laws 84/09 and 133/16 require property owners to submit an annual analysis of energy usage.
New York City's Energy Efficiency Legislation Mandates Benchmarking, Energy Audits, and Retro-commissioning
New local laws mandate benchmarking, energy audits, and retro-commissioning.
Green Roofs: Design, Benefits and Requirements
How green roofs work, including design requirements, structural considerations, costs, and long-term maintenance.
Converting From No. 6 Heating Oil
Key considerations when replacing No. 6 or No. 4 heating oil, including fuel options, equipment changes, and long-term planning.
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Surveying Your Building's Condition
A guide to physical condition surveys for NYC buildings, including what they cover and how they support repair planning and capital budgeting.
Finding—and Fixing—Construction Defects
To address problems in new construction, start with a forensic survey.
Special Inspections
The DOB has tightened requirements for Special Inspections, which apply to most repair projects.
Detecting Leaks with Infrared Thermography
Infrared Thermography reveals hidden defects throughout a building.
Doing Due Diligence Before Buying
A pre-purchase survey can uncover defects that could mean higher maintenance costs later on.
Testing For Asbestos
An asbestos survey is part and parcel of most repair jobs.
Investigative Probes
By uncovering hidden conditions, investigative probes help minimize surprises during construction.
Africa Israel Sued for Not Disclosing RAND Report
The developer of 20 Pine Street failed to disclose RAND’s report, which listed $5.6 million in defects.
Lack of Luxury
RAND’s physical condition survey of the Empire Condominium uncovered a host of defective conditions.
The 7 Worst Places to Live in a Building
RAND looks at which areas inside a building pose the greatest potential for problems.
Retaining Wall Inspections (Local Law 37 of 2008)
NYC retaining walls must be inspected by an engineer who is a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI).
Learn to Spot Building Defects before Buying
Prospective buyers should be aware of common defects in newly constructed condominiums.
The Top 7 Construction Defects
New doesn’t mean flawless. Leaks and other deficiencies are often found in recently built properties.
Integrated Physical Needs Assessments (IPNAs)
How IPNAs help evaluate building condition, energy and water performance, and health-related improvements in affordable multifamily housing.
View all resources on this topic
Local Law 87 Compliance Guide: Energy Audits and Retro-commissioning
The law requires an energy audit, retro-commissioning, and filing an Energy Efficiency Report.
Installing an ADA-Compliant Ramp
A ramp must meet requirements concerning the incline, handrails, and doors.
Managing the Landmarks Process
The LPC requires owners to preserve the architectural integrity of the building’s original design.
Amending a Certificate of Occupancy
Whenever a building changes its use, egress, or occupancy, it must file for an amended C of O.
Permit Requirements
Which types of projects require permits and what kind are needed?
Understanding Tenant Protection Plan (TPP) Compliance in NYC: A Guide for Building Owners
Protecting the safety of tenants during construction is required by law.
Facade-Report Time, With a Difference
Repair and maintenance items from previous inspections cannot be carried over to the next cycle.
A Little Leeway on Facade Repairs
An alternative filing program gives building owners some breathing room with facade inspections.
Dismantling the Scaffolding
Staggered deadlines for NYC Local Law 11/98 offer a more realistic timetable for conducting inspections and filing reports.
NYC Benchmarking Law: Local Law 84 Compliance Guide for Building Owners
Local Laws 84/09 and 133/16 require property owners to submit an annual analysis of energy usage.
View all resources on this topic
Cutting Corners and Band-Aid Fixes
So-called cheap and easy fixes only lead to more leaks and expensive repairs down the line.
A Little Leeway on Facade Repairs
An alternative filing program gives building owners some breathing room with facade inspections.
Dismantling the Scaffolding
Staggered deadlines for NYC Local Law 11/98 offer a more realistic timetable for conducting inspections and filing reports.
Facade Inspection Safety Program
RAND President Stephen Varone, AIA explains the details of filing an 8th Cycle Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) report.
NYC Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) Fact Sheet
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on NYC’s Facade Inspection and Safety Program (Local Law 11/98).
Enclosed Balconies and FISP: What NYC Owners Need to Know
What NYC owners should know about enclosed balconies, FISP inspections, and current safety requirements.
View all resources on this topic
Roof Warranties: What They Cover and What They Don’t
What roof warranties cover, key limitations, and how to evaluate terms before starting a project.
Installing a Roof Deck
What goes into a successful roof deck, from structural support and waterproofing to drainage and long-term performance.
Roof Replacement: Hot vs. Cold Roofing Systems
Key factors in roof replacement, including hot vs. cold systems, roof deck conditions, and planning for long-term performance.
Replacing a Cornice
Replacement materials replicate the style of an original cornice at lower cost and maintenance.
How to Prevent Roof Leaks
Why roof leaks occur and how proper maintenance and repairs help prevent recurring water infiltration.
NYC Annual Parapet Inspection Requirement Fact Sheet
NYC annual parapet inspection requirements, deadlines, and compliance basics.
Using the Roof in a Co-op or Condo
Key considerations for roof use in co-ops and condos, including safety, maintenance, and long-term impact on the roof system.
Roof Maintenance and Inspections
How regular roof inspections and maintenance help prevent leaks, extend service life, and reduce repair costs.
How to Find and Fix a Roof Leak
How to find the source of a roof leak, common causes, and what goes into effective repair.
View all resources on this topic
Fort Lee Parking Structure Inspections (Ordinance 2025-17): Compliance Requirements for Owners and Managers
Fort Lee’s new Ordinance 2025-17 puts parking structure inspections on the calendar. Get a clear, owner-focused breakdown of who must comply, what a NJ PE will evaluate, how the Safe/SREM/Unsafe ratings work, and the filing and repair timelines that can affect operations and budgeting.
Garage Repairs
The most important aspect of the repair and construction of concrete parking garages is coordination.
Maintenance Best Practices for Parking Structures
Following these maintenance practices enhances will parking structure safety, prolong their lifespan, and minimize expensive repairs.
New York State Parking Garage Inspections Fact Sheet
Parking garages in New York State must be inspected by a qualified engineer every three years.
NYC Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) | Local Law 126 Fact Sheet
NYC parking structures must be inspected at least once every six years by a qualified engineer per Local Law 126 of 2021.
Parking Structure Safety & NYC Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures Program (per Local Law 126) Compliance Webinar
A webinar on NYC Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) per Local Law 126 compliance and effective garage maintenance guidance.
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Local Law 88 Compliance Guide: Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering
Learn who Local Law 88 applies to and what it requires for lighting and sub-metering.
New NYC Law Mandates Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Parking Garages: What Property Owners and Managers Need to Know
Understand Local Law 55 of 2024 and its impact on EV charging infrastructure in New York City parking facilities.
Energy Incentives for New York Buildings
Energy incentives for New York buildings, including federal tax credits, New York State programs, utility rebates, and NYC incentives for energy upgrades and Local Law 97 planning.
NYC Benchmarking Law: Local Law 84 Compliance Guide for Building Owners
Local Laws 84/09 and 133/16 require property owners to submit an annual analysis of energy usage.
New York City's Energy Efficiency Legislation Mandates Benchmarking, Energy Audits, and Retro-commissioning
New local laws mandate benchmarking, energy audits, and retro-commissioning.
Local Law 154 of 2021: NYC Building Electrification Law
Local Law 154 targets new buildings and major renovations, aiming to eliminate fossil fuel combustion.
Energy Audit Fact Sheet
Learn what an energy audit covers, how audit levels differ, and how energy audits can support efficiency, cost savings, and Local Law 87 compliance.
Local Law 97 Compliance Guide
NYC Local Law 97 requirements, deadlines, emissions limits, and compliance strategies for building owners and managers.
View all resources on this topic
Fort Lee Parking Structure Inspections (Ordinance 2025-17): Compliance Requirements for Owners and Managers
Fort Lee’s new Ordinance 2025-17 puts parking structure inspections on the calendar. Get a clear, owner-focused breakdown of who must comply, what a NJ PE will evaluate, how the Safe/SREM/Unsafe ratings work, and the filing and repair timelines that can affect operations and budgeting.
Jersey City Ordinance 21-054 Fact Sheet (Mandatory Structural and Facade Inspections)
Buildings of a certain height in Jersey City are now required to have regular facade and structural inspections performed by a licensed professional.
View all resources on this topic
NYC Building Decarbonization Roadmap: Steps to Meet Local Law 97 Compliance and Cut Carbon Emissions
Meeting LL97 requirements is a milestone, not the finish line. Decarbonization is the key to long-term compliance, cost savings, and a more sustainable future. As New York City pushes forward with its carbon reduction goals, building owners need to start planning now to meet Local Law 97 (LL97) requirements and reduce…
Fort Lee Parking Structure Inspections (Ordinance 2025-17): Compliance Requirements for Owners and Managers
Fort Lee’s new Ordinance 2025-17 puts parking structure inspections on the calendar. Get a clear, owner-focused breakdown of who must comply, what a NJ PE will evaluate, how the Safe/SREM/Unsafe ratings work, and the filing and repair timelines that can affect operations and budgeting.
Rope Access Facade Inspections
Drones provide a safe and cost-effective way to perform visual building evaluations.
Local Law 88 Compliance Guide: Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering
Learn who Local Law 88 applies to and what it requires for lighting and sub-metering.
New NYC Law Mandates Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Parking Garages: What Property Owners and Managers Need to Know
Understand Local Law 55 of 2024 and its impact on EV charging infrastructure in New York City parking facilities.
Roof Project Questionnaire
Key questions to evaluate roof conditions and plan repairs, alterations, or replacement.
Re-piping a Domestic Water System
Corroded steel piping in old plumbing systems will eventually need to be replaced with new copper tubing.
Electrical Upgrades
What building owners should know about electrical upgrades, from service capacity to code-related improvements.
Converting From Oil to Gas
What building owners should know about converting from oil to gas, from system planning and utility coordination to costs and long-term operation.
Re-piping a Leaky Gas System
What building owners should know about gas repiping, from leak isolation and pressure testing to code requirements and restoration of service.
Local Law 87 Compliance Guide: Energy Audits and Retro-commissioning
The law requires an energy audit, retro-commissioning, and filing an Energy Efficiency Report.
Chimney Liners and Extensions
Converting a heating plant from oil to gas often requires installing a liner and/or an extension to the chimney.
Split Air Conditioning Systems
Split A/C systems are increasingly popular because of their low-profile design and ease of installation.
Fixing Brown Water and Low Pressure
Reinstalling a roof tank and replacing corroded piping can fix a building’s plumbing problems.
View all resources on this topic
Finding—and Fixing—Construction Defects
To address problems in new construction, start with a forensic survey.
Special Inspections
The DOB has tightened requirements for Special Inspections, which apply to most repair projects.
Detecting Leaks with Infrared Thermography
Infrared Thermography reveals hidden defects throughout a building.
Doing Due Diligence Before Buying
A pre-purchase survey can uncover defects that could mean higher maintenance costs later on.
Testing For Asbestos
An asbestos survey is part and parcel of most repair jobs.
How to Prevent Roof Leaks
Why roof leaks occur and how proper maintenance and repairs help prevent recurring water infiltration.
Africa Israel Sued for Not Disclosing RAND Report
The developer of 20 Pine Street failed to disclose RAND’s report, which listed $5.6 million in defects.
Lack of Luxury
RAND’s physical condition survey of the Empire Condominium uncovered a host of defective conditions.
The 7 Worst Places to Live in a Building
RAND looks at which areas inside a building pose the greatest potential for problems.
Retaining Wall Inspections (Local Law 37 of 2008)
NYC retaining walls must be inspected by an engineer who is a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI).
NYC Annual Parapet Inspection Requirement Fact Sheet
NYC annual parapet inspection requirements, deadlines, and compliance basics.
Understanding Tenant Protection Plan (TPP) Compliance in NYC: A Guide for Building Owners
Protecting the safety of tenants during construction is required by law.
Learn to Spot Building Defects before Buying
Prospective buyers should be aware of common defects in newly constructed condominiums.
The Top 7 Construction Defects
New doesn’t mean flawless. Leaks and other deficiencies are often found in recently built properties.
View all resources on this topic
Interior Renovations
An engineer/architect should review proposed alternations to make sure they don’t damage building-wide systems.
Surveying Your Building's Condition
A guide to physical condition surveys for NYC buildings, including what they cover and how they support repair planning and capital budgeting.
Project Communication
Establishing upfront a realistic scope of work, repair budget, and timeline paves the way to a smoother running project.
Exterior Repair Contracts
Owners should insist on a formal agreement specifying guarantees, payments schedule, liquidated damages, and insurance.
High Bid, Low Bid, Best Bid?
For a competitive bid, get itemized repair components, check references, and never reveal your budget to contractors.
Contractor Quality
References alone aren’t sufficient. Ask prospective contractors the right questions before hiring one.
When an Engineer Is on the Board
An engineer can provide valuable technical input, but he or she does not run the project.
Getting the Construction Documents Right
Plans and specifications for a revived project need to be updated if the scope of work has changed.
Time for a Change (Order)?
Change orders are inevitable, but which ones are legitimate, and how much should be allotted for them?
When to Use an Engineer
An Engineer’s role is to determine how to make the most cost-effective repairs.
Engineer vs. Architect: What's the Difference?
A licensed professional’s practical experience with the type of project at hand is the key consideration.
To Bond, or Not to Bond?
Performance bonds can offer a measure of financial protection for owners undergoing construction projects.
Is "Subcontractor" Really a Dirty Word?
Sometimes hiring subcontractors is not only appropriate but advisable—with precautions.
The Role of the Engineer/Architect
Common misconceptions that strain the partnership between a board and its engineer/architect.
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Managing the Landmarks Process
The LPC requires owners to preserve the architectural integrity of the building’s original design.
NYC Landmarks Approval Process and LPC Requirements
Key requirements for NYC Landmarks approval, including LPC permit types, submission process, and expected timelines for exterior work.
Funding Assistance for Historic Properties
Grants, loans, and tax credits are available for owners restoring historic properties in New York.
Window Replacement in an Historic District
New aluminum casement units preserved the style of the originals with improved performance.
Return to Glory on the Upper West Side
Restoring the decorative terra cotta facade of a prewar co-op revived its architectural character.
How LPC Approval Works for Landmarked Buildings
How the NYC Landmarks approval process works, including LPC permits, submission requirements, and project timelines.